DALLAS, March 20, 2024. Surgical nerve decompression, which is used to treat conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica, could help alleviate pain for patients with diabetic neuropathy, researchers at the UT Southwestern Medical Center found. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has gone from being a complementary therapy to becoming a primary treatment method for neuropathy. TENS units are small, portable devices that deliver electrical currents to nerves through the skin. This stimulation helps reduce pain and improve nerve function. But TENS is just the tip of the iceberg.
Another therapy that is getting attention is whole-body vibration therapy (WBVT). In this therapy, patients stand on a vibrating platform that sends gentle vibrations through the body. This helps improve blood circulation and nerve function. A recent survey conducted at therapy centers in Calcutta revealed that patients undergoing WBVT reported a 30% improvement in their neuropathic symptoms over a three-month period. Although the understanding and treatment of neuropathy have evolved over time, traditional approaches to its treatment have been adopted to alleviate symptoms and improve patients' quality of life.
Advances in technology have led to the development of cutting-edge therapies and devices for the treatment of neuropathy. These innovative interventions include regenerative medicine approaches, such as stem cell therapy and gene therapy, which aim to repair damaged nerves and restore their function. In addition, neuromodulation devices, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) units and spinal cord stimulators, have become more sophisticated in their ability to precisely target affected nerves. These devices relieve pain and improve overall functioning for people with neuropathy.
Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese practice, involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body. It is believed to stimulate energy flow and restore balance, alleviate pain and promote healing. Acupuncture has shown promise for reducing neuropathic pain and improving nerve function. However, more research is needed to establish their efficacy and the underlying mechanisms.
Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant that plays a vital role in energy metabolism. It has been studied for its potential neuroprotective properties in the treatment of neuropathy. Alpha lipoic acid has been shown to be effective in reducing neuropathic pain and improving neuropathic symptoms, primarily in people with diabetic neuropathy. Its antioxidant effects can help reduce oxidative damage and promote nerve regeneration.
However, more research is needed to establish optimal doses and long-term efficacy. Certain herbal remedies have been explored for their potential benefits in treating symptoms of neuropathy. For example, evening primrose oil, derived from the evening primrose plant, contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and has been studied for its anti-inflammatory effects. St.
John's wort and ginkgo biloba have also shown promise for reducing neuropathic pain and improving nerve function. However, it is essential to be careful when using herbal remedies, as their safety, efficacy, and possible interactions with other medications may vary. Involving patients in the decision-making process allows them to actively participate in their treatment and improves treatment outcomes. Healthcare professionals should inform patients about available treatment options, benefits, potential risks, and expected outcomes.
Through shared decision-making, patients can express their preferences, concerns, and goals, allowing healthcare professionals to adapt the treatment plan to fit the patient's individual needs. This collaboration fosters a sense of ownership and motivation, which improves adherence to treatment and overall satisfaction. Many medications used in the treatment of neuropathy can have side effects that can significantly affect patients' general well-being and quality of life. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, gastrointestinal disorders, and possible long-term complications.
Some people may be more susceptible to side effects because of underlying medical conditions or drug interactions. Minimizing side effects and optimizing treatment benefits requires close monitoring, patient education, and an individualized approach to drug selection and dosing. The benefits of axon therapy for treating pain caused by chronic neuropathy are shared throughout the country. The New York Harbor VA started using Axon Therapy.
Some Virginia medical centers are starting a contract to start axon therapy, while other doctors are learning their skills. A treatment option recently introduced in Pain Medicine of Evangelical can alleviate pain through capsaicin, commonly known as the active ingredient in chili peppers. Qutenza (capsaicin) 8% is a topical treatment for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the feet. Tibbs hypothesized that if a suitable chemical anchor could be attached to propofol, the molecule would not only be excluded from the brain, but in the periphery it would also function as a molecular bathysphere.
With the anchor trapped outside the cell, the anchored propofol could freely penetrate the cell membrane of a peripheral nerve cell and silence embedded HCN1 channels. The integrative approach to treating neuropathy is a combination of traditional practices and modern medical science, creating a holistic treatment plan. The FDA has authorized Neuralace Medical axon therapy, which is a non-invasive treatment for chronic pain related to nerve damage caused by diabetes, known as painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). In addition, drugs that target N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, such as ketamine and memantine, have demonstrated their potential to control neuropathic pain associated with conditions such as fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome.
In addition, advances in understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying neuropathy may lead to the development of personalized pharmacological treatments. These innovative treatments aim to attack the underlying causes of neuropathy and provide more effective and lasting relief to patients. Regular follow-up appointments and open communication between healthcare providers and patients facilitate continuous optimization of the treatment plan. New drugs, including cytokine inhibitors, Toll-like receptor modulators and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with improved safety profiles, are being explored as potential therapeutic options to reduce inflammation and alleviate neuropathic pain. In addition to traditional pharmacological and surgical approaches, therapeutic and device-based treatments play an important role in treating neuropathy.
The treatment of neuropathy must be dynamic and adaptable, taking into account the patient's response and progress. Advances in scientific knowledge and technology offer avenues for potential pharmacological discoveries in the treatment of neuropathy. As researchers continue to explore novel approaches to treating neuropathy, the future offers promising possibilities for improving outcomes and quality of life for those affected. Early diagnosis is crucial for initiating timely treatment and preventing disease progression, and emphasizes the importance of increasing awareness and education among health professionals and the general population.
These treatments are based on the understanding that neuropathy may have a genetic basis and, therefore, a one-size-fits-all approach may not be effective for everyone. In another study, MSCs preconditioned with deferoxamine showed increased production of proangiogenic, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory factors, which could be applied to the treatment of neuropathy diabetic. A variety of non-pharmacological therapies are used in the treatment of neuropathy to alleviate symptoms and improve overall function.
